Multiple behavioral risk factors for non-communicable diseases among the adolescent population in Brazil: the analysis derived from the Brazilian national survey of school health 2019.

BACKGROUND: Health risk behaviors often emerge or intensify during adolescence and tend to co-occur, exposing individuals to an even greater risk for the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The likelihood of exhibiting multiple health risk factors also increases throughout life and is associated with sociodemographic characteristics contributing to their escalation and severity. In this context, the objective of this study was to analyze the association between sociodemographic characteristics and multiple behavioral risk factors for non-communicable diseases among the adolescent population in Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional study utilized data from the Brazilian National Survey of School Health 2019. The sample comprised 121,580 adolescents aged 13 to 17. The analyzed variables included irregular intake of fruits and vegetables, regular consumption of soft drinks and treats, insufficient physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption. To analyze MBRFs, a classification ranging from zero to five was created, and associations were estimated using Odds Ratio (OR) with the respective 95% confidence interval (CI). The Backward method was employed for the multivariate regression model, utilizing ordinal logistic regression. RESULTS: Adolescents without behavioral risk factors for NCDs constituted only 3.9% (95% CI 3.7-4.1). The most prevalent categories were two and three MBRFs, accounting for 28.3% (95% CI: 27.7-28.8) and 27.0% (95% CI: 26.5-27.5), respectively. Adolescents aged 16 and 17 (ORadj: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.32-1.48), residing in the Brazilian Southeast (ORadj: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.52-1.81), and those reporting poor or very poor self-rated health (ORadj: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.87-2.25) were more likely to exhibit multiple behavioral risk factors. Conversely, male adolescents (adjusted OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.62-0.69), those of mixed race (adjusted OR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.87-0.97), and residents of rural areas (adjusted OR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.70-0.84) were less likely to manifest MBRFs for NCDs. CONCLUSION: The majority of adolescents displayed MBRFs for NCDs, positively associated with age, region, and perceived health status. This underscores the necessity for healthcare promotional interventions throughout the life cycle, as these behaviors may persist into adulthood.

Lack of knowledge about the human papillomavirus vaccine among Brazilian adolescents: A cross-sectional study.

To analyze the distribution and factors associated with lack of knowledge about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among Brazilian adolescents.Cross-sectional study using the 2019 National School Health Survey among 17,805 Brazilian students of public and private schools, aged 13-17 years. The outcome variable was "lack of knowledge about the HPV vaccine" and the explanatory variables were sociodemographic, behaviors, knowledge, and health conditions. Logistic regression model was used to calculate Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Spatial analysis techniques were used to determine the formation of clusters in the federated units with similar proportions of adolescents who were unaware of the vaccine. The lack of knowledge about the HPV vaccine was reported by 45.54% of Brazilian students. There was a higher chance of lack of knowledge having had sexual intercourse (OR 1.43; 95% CI 1.20-1.70); attending public school (OR 1.72; 95%CI 1.47-2.02) and located in the Northeast Region (OR 1.35; 95%CI 1.08-1.69). The lower chance of lack of knowledge were female gender (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.35-0.48), higher maternal education (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.50-0.77) self-rated health as Poor/very poor (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.49-0.86) and receiving contraceptive counseling (OR 0.77; 95% CI 0.65-0.91). The proportion of lack of knowledge about the HPV vaccine was higher with the formation of High-High spatial clusters in the states of Maranhão, Piauí, and Pernambuco. Sociodemographic, health, and behavioral conditions and knowledge of students, as well as school characteristics, were associated with lack of knowledge about the HPV vaccine. A higher frequency of lack of knowledge about the HPV vaccine among adolescents was found in the states of the Northeastern Region.

Presenilin and APP Regulate Synaptic Kainate Receptors.

Kainate receptors (KARs) form a family of ionotropic glutamate receptors that regulate the activity of neuronal networks by both presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms. Their implication in pathologies is well documented for epilepsy. The higher prevalence of epileptic symptoms in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients questions the role of KARs in AD. Here we investigated whether the synaptic expression and function of KARs was impaired in mouse models of AD. We addressed this question by immunostaining and electrophysiology at synapses between mossy fibers and CA3 pyramidal cells, in which KARs are abundant and play a prominent physiological role. We observed a decrease of the immunostaining for GluK2 in the stratum lucidum in CA3, and of the amplitude and decay time of synaptic currents mediated by GluK2-containing KARs in an amyloid mouse model (APP/PS1) of AD. Interestingly, a similar phenotype was observed in CA3 pyramidal cells in male and female mice with a genetic deletion of either presenilin or APP/APLP2 as well as in organotypic cultures treated with γ-secretase inhibitors. Finally, the GluK2 protein interacts with full-length and C-terminal fragments of APP. Overall, our data suggest that APP stabilizes KARs at synapses, possibly through a transsynaptic mechanism, and this interaction is under the control the γ-secretase proteolytic activity of presenilin.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Synaptic impairment correlates strongly with cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this context, many studies have addressed the dysregulation of AMPA and NMDA ionotropic glutamate receptors. Kainate receptors (KARs), which form the third family of iGluRs, represent an underestimated actor in the regulation of neuronal circuits and have not yet been examined in the context of AD. Here we provide evidence that synaptic KARs are markedly impaired in a mouse model of AD. Additional experiments indicate that the γ-secretase activity of presenilin acting on the amyloid precursor protein controls synaptic expression of KAR. This study clearly indicates that KARs should be taken into consideration whenever addressing synaptic dysfunction and related cognitive deficits in the context of AD.

Temporal and spatial distribution trends of polio vaccine coverage in less than one-year old children in Brazil, 2011-2021.

BACKGROUND: Low polio vaccine coverage can result in the spread of Poliovirus to areas free from viral circulation. This study analyzed the temporal trends and spatial distribution of polio vaccine coverage in one year-old children in Brazil, between 2011 and 2021. METHODS: This was an ecological, time-series study (2011 to 2021) with annual vaccine coverages against poliomyelitis, extracted from the Information System of the National Immunization Program from the 26 States and the Distrito Federal (DF). The percentage reductions in vaccination coverage in Brazil and in the Regions were calculated. Prais-Winsten regression models were used to analyze time series for the Regions and States, and spatial analysis identified the distribution of clusters (high-high; low-low; high-low and low-high) of vaccination coverages across Brazilian municipalities, using a 5% significance level. RESULTS: From 2011 to 2021, the coverage of polio vaccines decreased by 29,9%. There was a progressive increase observed in clusters resulting in low vaccination coverages (140 low-low Brazilian municipalities in 2011 vs. 403 in 2021), mostly reported in the North and Northeast regions of the country. There was a downward trend in vaccination coverages in 24 of the 26 States and DF (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The reduction in polio vaccine coverage, as observed in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil, may favor the spread of Poliovirus. Therefore, vaccination strategies should be prioritized for children residing in areas with sharp and recurrent declines in vaccination coverages, including travelers, migrants, and refugees.

Downregulation of Sirtuin 1 Does Not Account for the Impaired Long-Term Potentiation in the Prefrontal Cortex of Female APPswe/PS1dE9 Mice Modelling Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), which predominantly affects women, involves at its onset a metabolic deregulation associated with a synaptic failure. Here, we performed a behavioral, neurophysiological and neurochemical characterization of 9-month-old female APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice as a model of early AD. These animals showed learning and memory deficits in the Morris water maze, increased thigmotaxis and anxiety-like behavior and showed signs of fear generalization. Long-term potentiation (LTP) was decreased in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), but not in the CA1 hippocampus or amygdala. This was associated with a decreased density of sirtuin-1 in cerebrocortical synaptosomes and a decreased density of sirtuin-1 and sestrin-2 in total cerebrocortical extracts, without alterations of sirtuin-3 levels or of synaptic markers (syntaxin, synaptophysin, SNAP25, PSD95). However, activation of sirtuin-1 did not affect or recover PFC-LTP deficit in APP/PS1 female mice; instead, inhibition of sirtuin-1 increased PFC-LTP magnitude. It is concluded that mood and memory dysfunction in 9-month-old female APP/PS1 mice is associated with a parallel decrease in synaptic plasticity and in synaptic sirtuin-1 levels in the prefrontal cortex, although sirtiun1 activation failed to restore abnormal cortical plasticity.

Cowden Disease: A Review.

ABSTRACT: PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (PTHS) includes diseases with germline pathogenic variants in the PTEN gene. Cowden syndrome is included in this syndrome . PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) is a tumor suppressor gene located on chromosome 10q22-23; nearly 60%-90% of pathogenic variants are inherited. Cowden syndrome is a rare autosomic dominant condition, affecting approximately 1/200,000 people worldwide. Patients present benign and, malignant neoplasms in multiple organs, mostly breast and thyroid. The skin is the organ affected most consistently by Cowden disease. It is an autosomal dominant condition, characterized clinically by the presence of innumerable verrucous lesions on the skin. Interpretations of histopathologic findings in the cutaneous and mucosal lesions continue to be a matter of debate.

Sexual function of transgender women after gender affirming surgery: A mini review.

A transgender person has a gender identity opposite to the sex assigned at birth. Transgender individuals may have altered sexual function (SF) due to psychosocial factors related to body image distortion, shame, and dissatisfaction with genital appearance, and these conditions can increase the risk of sexual dysfunction. This study aimed to characterize the SF of trans-women after gender affirming surgery (GAS). We reviewed the Pubmed database for studies published between January 2008 and December 2021. 17 studies were included, four were cross-sectional studies, one prospective study, four prospective cohort studies, five retrospective studies. The instruments used to evaluate the SF were female sexual function index, semistructured questionnaires, patients' opinion, Sexual Desire Inventory, Maudsley Marital Questionnaire-S, WHOQOL-100. The results of our review indicate there is weak evidence that GAS improves the SF of trans-women. We thus recommend that future studies use questionnaires that are validated for the assessment of the SF of trans-women to better determine the impact of genital surgery in this population.

Evaluating priority locations and potential benefits for building a nation-wide fuel break network in Portugal.

Despite growing interest in developing extensive fuel treatment programs to prevent catastrophic wildfires in the Mediterranean region, there is little information on the projected effectiveness of fuel treatments in terms of avoided exposure and risk. In Portugal, a fuel management plan aiming to prevent loss of lives, reduce large fires (>500 ha), and reduce annual burned area is under implementation, with particular emphasis on the nation-wide fuel break network (FBN). In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of the planned FBN in terms of meeting fire management objectives, costs, and benefits. We first estimated the overall effectiveness of the FBN at intersecting modeled large fires (>500 ha) and at reducing exposure to protected areas and residential buildings using wildfire simulation modeling. Then, the fuel break burn-over percentage, i.e. the percentage of fires that are not contained at the FBN, was modeled as a function of pre-defined flame length thresholds for individual FBN segments. For the planned FBN, the results suggested a potential reduction of up to 13% in the annual burned area due to large fires (ca. 13,000 ha), of up to 8% in the annual number of residential buildings exposed (ca. 100 residential buildings), and up to 14% in the annual burned area in protected areas (ca. 2400 ha). The expected burn-over percentage was highly variable among the segments in response to estimated fire intensity, and an average decrease of 40% of the total benefits was estimated. The most important fuel breaks typically showed a higher percentage of fire burn-over, and hence reduction in effectiveness. We also showed that the current implementation of FBN follows a random sequence, suboptimal for all objectives. Our results suggest that additional landscape-scale fuel reduction strategies are required to meet short-term national wildfire management targets.

Number of doses of Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine applied in Brazil before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Due to the social isolation measures adopted in an attempt to mitigate the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, there has been a reduction in vaccination coverage of children and adolescents in several countries and regions of the world. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the number of doses of vaccine against Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) applied before and after the beginning of mitigation measures due to COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. METHODS: The data collected refer to the number of doses of the MMR vaccine applied monthly to the target population residing in Brazil: cahildren, aged 12 months (first dose) and children, aged 9 years (second dose), from April 2019 to December 2020. Differences in MMR vaccine doses from April 2019 to March 2020 (before the start of mitigation measures) and April 2020 to September 2020 (after the start of the mitigation measures) were evaluated. Spatial analysis identified clusters with a high percentage of reduction in the median of applied doses no Brazil. RESULTS: There was a reduction in the median of doses applied in the Regions North (- 33.03%), Northeast (- 43.49%) and South (- 39.01%) e nos Estados Acre (- 48.46%), Amazonas (- 28.96%), Roraima (- 61.91%), Paraíba (- 41.58%), Sergipe (- 47.52%), Rio de Janeiro (-59.31%) and Santa Catarina (- 49.32) (p < 0.05). High-high type spatial clusters (reduction between 34.00 and 90.00%) were formed in the five regions of Brazil (Moran's I = 0.055; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: A reduction in the number of MMR vaccine doses was evidenced as a possible effect by the restrictive actions of COVID-19 in Brazil.

Expelled from Eden: How human beings turned planet Earth into a hostile place.

The focus of this article is the mind-body problem in mainstream modern psychology examined from a decolonial perspective. The construction of the idea of the separation of mind and body is a seminal point of division of labor in the history of modern capitalism. This division perpetuated by the mind-body dualism idea was necessary to justify the enslavement of some and employment to others. Colonization processes have had profound importance on the mind, feelings, behaviors, and political settings. Throughout its history, the subject treated in EuroAmerican psychology has sought to deal with the mind-body problem as an individual, a separate entity, not as part of the psyche as a whole. A new perspective where the mind and body play an intertwined role is necessary considering subjectivity in a cultural-historical approach. The subjective level is defined by the unification between symbolical and emotional cultural processes. The body (emotions) operates in conjunction with the culture and, when amalgamated, constitutes what we entitle as subjectivity. An ontology defines the assumptions that lie under a cosmovision and sustains a way of seeing, feeling, thinking, and acting with oneself, others, and the whole living world. It is what defines the real. The trajectory of this paper is an invitation to shed light from a decolonial perspective on social inequality concerning the present crises of humanity. The consequences of social inequality expressed today indicate the difficulties created by the dichotomy of mind and body.

Adenosine A2A receptors format long-term depression and memory strategies in a mouse model of Angelman syndrome.

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss of function of the maternally inherited Ube3a neuronal protein, whose main features comprise severe intellectual disabilities and motor impairments. Previous studies with the Ube3am-/p+ mouse model of AS revealed deficits in synaptic plasticity and memory. Since adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR) are powerful modulators of aberrant synaptic plasticity and A2AR blockade prevents memory dysfunction in various brain diseases, we tested if A2AR could control deficits of memory and hippocampal synaptic plasticity in AS. We observed that Ube3am-/p+ mice were unable to resort to hippocampal-dependent search strategies when tested for learning and memory in the Morris water maze; this was associated with a decreased magnitude of long-term depression (LTD) in CA1 hippocampal circuits. There was an increased density of A2AR in the hippocampus of Ube3am-/p+ mice and their chronic treatment with the selective A2AR antagonist SCH58261 (0.1 mg/kg/day, ip) restored both hippocampal-dependent learning strategies, as well as LTD deficits. Altogether, this study provides the first evidence of a role of A2AR as a new prospective therapeutic target to manage learning deficits in AS.

Radiotherapy setup displacements in breast cancer patients: 3D surface imaging experience.

AIM: In this study, we intend to compare two different setup procedures for female breast cancer patients. BACKGROUND: Imaging in radiotherapy provides a precise localization of the tumour, increasing the accuracy of the treatment delivery in breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty breast cancer patients who underwent whole breast radiotherapy (WBRT) were selected for this study. Patients were divided into two groups of ten. Group one (G1) was positioned by tattoos and then the patient positioning was adjusted with the aid of AlignRT (Vision RT, London, UK). In group two (G2), patients were positioned only by tattoos. For both groups, the first 15 fractions were analyzed, a daily kilovoltage (kV) cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) image was made and then the rotational and translational displacements and, posteriorly, the systematic (Σ) and random (σ) errors were analyzed. RESULTS: The comparison of CBCT displacements for the two groups showed a statistically significant difference in the translational left-right (LR) direction (ρ = 0.03), considering that the procedure with AlignRT system has smaller lateral displacements. The results of systematic (Σ) and random (σ) errors showed that for translational displacements the group positioned only by tattoos (G2) demonstrated higher values of errors when compared with the group positioned with the aid of AlignRT (G1). CONCLUSIONS: AlignRT could help the positioning of breast cancer patients; however, it should be used with another imaging method.

Evaluating deviations in prostatectomy patients treated with IMRT.

AIM: To evaluate the deviations in prostatectomy patients treated with IMRT in order to calculate appropriate margins to create the PTV. BACKGROUND: Defining inappropriate margins can lead to underdosing in target volumes and also overdosing in healthy tissues, increasing morbidity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 223 CBCT images used for alignment with the CT planning scan based on bony anatomy were analyzed in 12 patients treated with IMRT following prostatectomy. Shifts of CBCT images were recorded in three directions to calculate the required margin to create PTV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The mean and standard deviation (SD) values in millimetres were -0.05 ± 1.35 in the LR direction, -0.03 ± 0.65 in the SI direction and -0.02 ± 2.05 the AP direction. The systematic error measured in the LR, SI and AP direction were 1.35 mm, 0.65 mm, and 2.05 mm with a random error of 2.07 mm; 1.45 mm and 3.16 mm, resulting in a PTV margin of 4.82 mm; 2.64 mm, and 7.33 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: With IGRT we suggest a margin of 5 mm, 3 mm and 8 mm in the LR, SI and AP direction, respectively, to PTV1 and PTV2. Therefore, this study supports an anisotropic margin expansion to the PTV being the largest expansion in the AP direction and lower in SI.

Group a rotavirus and norovirus genotypes circulating in the northeastern Brazil in the post-monovalent vaccination era.

Group A rotaviruses (RVA) and noroviruses (NoV) are the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) worldwide. Childhood diarrhea deaths and hospital admissions have declined since the introduction of the monovalent (G1P[8]) vaccine (Rotarix(®) [RV1]) in the National Immunization Program in Brazil in 2006. This study aims to investigate the epidemiological profile of NoV and RVA infections from children with AGE in the Northeastern region of Brazil in the post vaccine season. Two-hundred fecal samples collected from children up to 10 years old in Fortaleza, Ceará between 2008-2009 were screened for the presence of RVA and NoV. Positive samples were genotyped and sequenced. The RVA screening revealed 12% prevalence and all RVA strains belonged to G2P[4] genotype. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 11 RVA genome segments sequenced from eight samples revealed a DS-1-like genotype constellation: I2-R2-C2-M2-A2-N2-T2-E2-H2. For NoV screening, the prevalence observed was 17% and the following genotypes were detected: GII.4 (59%), GII.12 (17%), GII.6 (9%), GII.3 (6%), and GII.? (9%). At least four different NoVs genotypes and two RVA G2P[4] variants were identified circulating in the Northeastern region of Brazil. RVA phylogenetic analysis suggests that the RVA G2P[4] strains might have originated from intragenogroup reassortment events. Whether the genetic modifications observed in these contemporary G2P[4] RVA strains may impact the long-term effectiveness of the current vaccination programs remains to be explored. These data reinforce the importance of surveillance for monitoring the emergence of new strains of RVA and NoV and their impact on cases of acute gastroenteritis.

Beyond the Modernist Project: A Decolonial Turn in the History of Psychology.

In this article, the authors argue for a decolonial history of psychology that will assist in the creation of psychologies (and their histories) that are true to place and time. We briefly place contemporary history of psychology as being of service to hegemonic psychology, which has continued to enforce a coloniality of being, knowing, and doing. We outline some of its limitations in regard to individualism, neoliberalism, and the ideologies of the market. In contrast, we articulate a way to begin to reconceptualize a psychology and its history that may serve to honor and respect multiple ways of knowing and being. We offer examples of emergent approaches that are being created that are non-dualistic, non-WEIRD, and focused on lived experiences in particular places and settings. The authors are mindful of the limitations of offering superabundant examples of each point due to the length constraints that accompanied the invitation to submit this manuscript. We encourage interested readers to explore the references for additional nuances and examples of the main points.

Vitamin D loaded into lipid nanoparticles shows insulinotropic effect in INS-1E cells.

Increasing evidence suggests a beneficial role of vitamin D (VitD) supplementation in addressing the widespread VitD deficiency, but currently used VitD3 formulations present low bioavailability and toxicity constrains. Hence, poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs), solid-lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were investigated to circumvent these issues. PLGA NPs prepared by emulsification or nanoprecipitation presented 74 or 200 nm, and association efficiency (AE) of 68 % and 17 %, respectively, and a rapid burst release of VitD3. Both SLN and NLCs presented higher polydispersity and larger NPs size, around 500 nm, which could be reduced to around 200 nm by use of hot high-pressure homogenization in the case of NLCs. VitD3 was efficiently loaded in both SLNs and NLCs with an AE of 82 and 99 %, respectively. While SLNs showed burst release, NLCs allowed a sustained release of VitD3 for nearly one month. Furthermore, NLCs showed high stability with maintenance of VitD3 loading for up to one month at 4 °C and no cytotoxic effects on INS-1E cells up to 72 h. A trending increase (around 30 %) on glucose-dependent insulin secretion was observed by INS-1E cells pre-treated with VitD3. This effect was consistently observed in the free form and after loading on NLCs. Overall, this work contributed to further elucidation on a suitable delivery system for VitD3 and on the effects of this metabolite on ß cell function.

Involvement of GPR43 Receptor in Effect of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus on Murine Steroid Resistant Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Relevance to Pro-Inflammatory Mediators and Oxidative Stress in Human Macrophages.

BACKGROUND: Cytokine storm and oxidative stress are present in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Individuals with COPD present high levels of NF-κB-associated cytokines and pro-oxidant agents as well as low levels of Nrf2-associated antioxidants. This condition creates a steroid-resistant inflammatory microenvironment. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (Lr) is a known anti-cytokine in lung diseases; however, the effect of Lr on lung inflammation and oxidative stress in steroid-resistant COPD mice remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: Thus, we investigated the Lr effect on lung inflammation and oxidative stress in mice and macrophages exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and unresponsive to steroids. METHODS: Mice and macrophages received dexamethasone or GLPG-094 (a GPR43 inhibitor), and only the macrophages received butyrate (but), all treatments being given before CSE. Lung inflammation was evaluated from the leukocyte population, airway remodeling, cytokines, and NF-κB. Oxidative stress disturbance was measured from ROS, 8-isoprostane, NADPH oxidase, TBARS, SOD, catalase, HO-1, and Nrf2. RESULTS: Lr attenuated cellularity, mucus, collagen, cytokines, ROS, 8-isoprostane, NADPH oxidase, and TBARS. Otherwise, SOD, catalase, HO-1, and Nrf2 were upregulated in Lr-treated COPD mice. Anti-cytokine and antioxidant effects of butyrate also occurred in CSE-exposed macrophages. GLPG-094 rendered Lr and butyrate less effective. CONCLUSIONS: Lr attenuates lung inflammation and oxidative stress in COPD mice, suggesting the presence of a GPR43 receptor-dependent mechanism also found in macrophages.

Energy efficiency in winemaking industry: Challenges and opportunities.

The United Nations has issued a warning over the limited time for climate disaster prevention. In the last two decades, several countries have set targets to reduce fossil fuel usage and greenhouse gas emissions. These goals are tracked through the adoption of energy systems that prioritise efficiency and low-carbon alternatives, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals outlined by the United Nations. In the winemaking sector, the wine produced in the European Union comprised 65 % of the worldwide total from 2014 to 2018, with vineyards making up 4.7 % of its farms in 2020. Electricity is the primary source of energy used in vineries, accounting for around 90 % of the total energy consumption. The energy consumption associated with winemaking is mostly attributed to two key processes: fermentation, which accounts for 45 % to 90 % of the entire energy consumption, and bottling and storage, which contribute around 18 % of the overall energy consumption. The aim of this article is to provide an integrated review of energy efficiency in wineries through examining 144 academic publications. The selected publications cover various aspects, including sustainable energy utilisation in the wine industry, thermal performance analysis of buildings, energy efficiency assessment of systems and technologies, and the integration of renewable energy sources. A link has been established between the geographic distribution of academic publications and wine-producing countries. In relation to European publications, it is observed that research funding is associated with the energy directives of the European Union. It can also be concluded that wine customers are pushing for environmentally friendly practices. However, not everyone in the winemaking sector is moving in the same direction or at the same pace. To identify areas for improvement, winemakers must have supporting tools to manage energy use. Systems optimisation, monitoring, and accounting can be used to decrease energy consumption in winemaking processes or equipment. Progresses on sustainable energy use through greater energy efficiency and share of renewable energies in the wineries can contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and consequently, brings the wine industry closer to climate neutrality.

Antifungal Susceptibility Assessment of Innovative and Non-Conventional Lime Mortars Incorporating Almond-Shell Powder Bio-Waste Subjected to Particle-Dispersion Technique.

A favorable environment for fungi colonization in building materials' surfaces can emerge when certain hygrothermal conditions occur. Thus, reducing fungal growth susceptibility is of major interest. Furthermore, if the integration of bio-wastes is performed in parallel with the development of innovative materials for this purpose, a more sustainable and environmentally friendly material can be obtained. In this study, the fungal susceptibility of lime mortars incorporating almond-shell powder (ASP) microparticles (2 and 4%, wt.-wt. in relation to the binder content) was evaluated. The particle-dispersion technique was employed to prepare the bio-waste introduced in the mixtures. The fungal susceptibility of ASP samples was compared with nanotitania (n-TiO2) with recognized antifungal properties. Mechanical strength, water absorption, and wettability tests were also performed for a better characterization of the composites. Although the addition of 2% ASP led to mechanical properties reduction, an increase in the compressive and flexural strength resulted for 4% of the ASP content. Difficulties in fungal growth were observed for the samples incorporating ASP. No fungal development was detected in the mortar with 2% of ASP, which may be correlated with an increase in the surface hydrophobic behavior. Furthermore, mortars with ASP revealed a reduction in water absorption by capillarity ability, especially with 4% content, suggesting changes in the microstructure and pore characteristics. The results also demonstrated that an improvement in the physical and mechanical properties of the lime mortars can be achieved when ASP microparticles are previously subjected to dispersion techniques.

Expression of HOXA10 and HOXA11 in the endometrium of infertile patients with chronic endometritis.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of CE on the expression of HOXA10 and HOXA11 during the late proliferative phase in the endometrium of infertile women. METHODS: A prospective, translational cohort study was conducted in partnership with the Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro in Niterói and the Clínica Ginendo in Rio de Janeiro after approval by the Ethics Committee. The patients were selected to participate in the study after showing an indication for hysteroscopy. All participants were divided into three groups: infertile women with endometritis (n=10), infertile women without endometritis (n=17) and fertile women without endometritis (n=10). At hysteroscopy, two endometrial samples were obtaneid, with one sent for histopathological examination per the gynecologist's request and the other used for immunohistochemistry procedures to evaluate the expression of CD138, HOXA10 and HOXA11. CD138 was used to confirm the diagnosis of CE. The analysis of HOXA10 and HOXA11 was performed using the HScoring method for immunohistochemistry with polyclonal antibodies. RESULTS: Women with and without endometritis had lower HOXA10 and HOXA11 expression values than women in the control group (fertile women without endometritis). CONCLUSIONS: The expression of HOXA10 and HOXA11 during the proliferative phase is not significantly different between infertile women with endometritis and infertile women without endometritis. Translational studies with a larger number of patients should be performed.